Quilts of Valour - Contact Alison McDonald, Public Relations and Local Contact
A message from Alison McDonald - Public Relations Contact Person.
Quilts of Valour - Canada has a mission: To ensure that our wounded Canadian soldiers are recognized for their bravery and commitment of their true patriotism to our country. We give this support through the presentation of quilts of comfort made for our military service people.
QOV Canada quilts are whatever you want to make - although a recommended size is roughly 50” X 80”. People have discussed a smaller lap quilt for those confined to wheelchairs. Long arm quilters are also willing to quilt. It is up to the quilter and the quilt topper to determine who will provide the backing, the batting and the binding.
The QOV Canada is also encouraging making a “pillow case” or tote for the quilt. It has been suggested to make the tote with handles so that it could be used with the wheelchair too. It is not mandatory, merely a suggestion.
As the Public Relations person and local contact I have a power-point presentation that I can give to any groups (church, service clubs, legion, etc) that might be interested and if so they can call me to set up a time. I can help set up a work bee/sewing session or whatever they want to do.
Important points: please do not deliver quilts to bases – not everyone on a CF base knows about the program and where the quilts are going. I will act as contact person to get quilts to the proper place.
Please do not use juvenile prints in the quilts. Please no rag, flannel or denim rag type quilts; they cannot be sanitized for use in a hospital setting.
Use only good, quilt shop quality fabric of 100 percent cotton. Use a quality coordinating backing if you are providing the back, flannel backs can be used.
Washability is important so please pre-wash your materials before stitching.
If you prefer to do only a top that’s no problem, backing and batting can be found to finish your quilt. If you would like to help with binding, we can use the assistance. If you only want to make squares, that’s fine too as tops can be put together from orphan blocks. There is a network of folks willing and able to help in areas that you may not be interested in providing, eg binding, quilting, finishing….please ask me.
Remember that any traditional or non traditional quilt can be used; it need not be only maple leaves…think outdoor themes, regional themes colourful, cheerful, etc...…just not juvenile. About 1% of the quilts go to wounded female soldiers, so frankly feminine patterns are probably best avoided.
If your top needs to be machine quilted that can be arranged for you and at no cost to you. You may hand quilt as well if that is what you would like to do.
I have the label template to be printed and applied to the back; please include the names of all involved in the making of the quilt. You are encouraged to write a journal about the making of the quilt, and the folks involved, however your group will not know who the recipient of the quilt is because of the need for privacy for the individual receiving the quilt.
Our support is for our soldier, wounded during their duties overseas. The quilts are given to them as they recover at home – sometimes in a hospital or care facility, sometimes the quilts are delivered once the soldier has returned to his home.
We are not providing quilts to the families of our fallen soldiers. There are two other organizations looking after them – through the direction of Department of National Defence. Operation Peace and Comfort (OPC) Canadian Comfort and Remembrance Project (CCRP).
At this point, QOV Canada does not currently have web site - Please contact Alison McDonald who is our local contact person for distribution of the quilts.
The main point is that we need to show that we who are making the quilts want to show our love, respect, and admiration for what our soldiers do for us; our quilts need to reflect that.
Sponsorships are welcome, they are $100 and at this time the organization is still seeking charitable status, so no tax receipts can be issued, your donation is a GIFT.
How you can help: sponsorships - to purchase materials
Time and talent – to make quilt tops or a complete quilt
Time and space to hold sewing bee for cutting, sewing, and assembling quilts
Remember it’s about PEOPLE, not POLITICS. We need to make sure our efforts are used to reflect our appreciation for what our soldiers do for US.
Alison McDonald Capt.
Zone 5 Coordinator
296 RC(Air)CS
519-621-2848 unit parades Wed 1830-2100
905-385-2014 (H)
905-577-3524 (C)